A fairly long moderate bicycle ride exploring the former Frontier Closed Area and the wetlands along the northwestern border between Hong Kong and mainland China.

Setting out from the old market town of Yuen Long, we head north and cross the Kam Tin River to ride through the Tai Sang Wai wetlands, a patchwork of fish and shrimp ponds. Though parts of the area has been developed into residential compounds (or container storage yards), the remaining ponds provide an ever more important habitat for a rich bird life....

Reaching San Tin, we discover another side to rural Hong Kong: Old villages with structures dating back to the 18th and 19th century, so we take a little time out for a look at the Tai Fu Tai Mansion in Wing Ping Tsuen and the ancestral halls of the Mans in Fan Tin Tsuen.

We will also pay a brief visit to the Man Tin Cheung Memorial, before we continue northwards to Lok Ma Chau. After a quick stop at the old look-out, we then enter the former Frontier Closed Area (FCA). Established to prevent migration from China and other illegal activities, the closed area served as a buffer between the border and the rest of the territory. There is still a FCA, but the size shrank significantly in 2013....

As the area has been off-limits to most people for many years, little development has taken place there, yet, so riding along the old border patrol road, we are able to see what rural Hong Kong used to look like while at the same time peek into Shenzhen.

As you still can't access the Border Control Point at Lo Wu without continuing into China, we will instead turn around and follow the Indus and Beas Rivers south....

Approaching Ki Lun Shan, our route becomes a little more undulating but, while numerous, the climbs aren't all that bad - and the descents make it all worth it. It is also near Ki Lun Shan that we pay a visit to the San Tin Barracks of the People’s Liberation Army and pass the Gurkha Military Cemetery.

Having crossed the barracks, we are on the home stretch, but there is still time to visit a few more of the interesting small villages, before we return our bicycles to the shop in Yuen Long....

... exploring Hong Kong's other side...

Ride Summary

Click on the mapand check the red linefor an idea of wherethis ride will take you.

Snack and refreshment breaks at San Tin and Ngau Tam Mei - not included.Lunch at village café at Hang Tau Tsuen - not included.

Note 1:

Where possible, we will ride on dedicated bicycle paths, but most of this outing will be along quiet rural back roads. There will, however, also be short stretches along busier country roads.

Note 2:

You can get a small basket for your stuff, but this will make your bicycle a little front heavy. As it is NOT possible to rent helmets, gloves and other accessories, you are invited bring your own, should you require such.

Participants on all Hansen's Events' hikes and rides take part entirely at their own risk. By joining any of our events all participants are automatically seen to have agreed to have entered into a disclaimer which exonerates the outing leaders and the organizers from any personal or public responsibility whatsoever and for any claims, injuries or damages arising thereof.